ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
Inaugural IMSc Distinguished Lecture by Eminent Physicist Prof. R. Chidambaram
As part of the ongoing celebrations to commemorate the 75 years of Indian Independence , The Institute of Mathematical Sciences , Chennai is starting a series of Distinguished Lectures by eminent scientists of the nation to increase public awareness about advances made in science and technology in the country. These public lectures will be streamed live via YouTube.
IMSc is delighted to announce that the Inaugural IMSc Distinguished Lecture will be given by the eminent physicist, Prof. R. Chidambaram, on the topic “Physical Sciences: Synergy with Mathematics” on 21 October, 2021 at 11 AM IST. In this talk, Prof. Chidambaram will increase public awareness about the key role of basic sciences in real world problems such as artificial intelligence, cyber security and nuclear reactor design. Notably, he plans to emphasize the close links between Physics and Mathematics.
Prof. Chidambaram is the DAE HomiBhabha Chair Professor, Former Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, and Former Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy , India. He was a key member of the testing team of Pokhran-I and Pokhran-II. From 2002-2018, he was a key architect of the Indian science policy in his capacity as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. He has carried out all his research work in India, publishing more than 200 research papers in refereed journals. He is a recipient of numerous awards and honours including the Padma Vibushan from the Government of India.
General public including school and college students are welcome to attend the lecture, by following the links on the website https://www.imsc.res.in/akam/
Link to IMSc Webpage: https://www.imsc.res.in/
Link to webpage on events conducted by IMSc as part of AzadiKaAmritMahotsav: https://www.imsc.res.in/akam/
For more information contact:
Ms. S. Vinayalatha
Registrar
The Institute of Mathematical Sciences , Chennai
registrar@imsc.res.in
Phone: +91-44-22543150
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Ministry of Steel
Dharmendra Pradhan Calls for Greater Synergy Between Academia, Industry and Policy Making for Realising India’s Aspirations
Union Minister for Petroleum and Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today attended the CHEMCON 2019, 72nd Annual Session of Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers at Indian Institute of Technology , Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Shrir Pradhan said, “Innovation cannot be achieved without having the courage to fail. We must move away from the culture of “status quo”. Any economy cannot grow by leaps and bounds without the support of innovation driven by its scientific community.We are moving towards a knowledge based economy. India will be at the centre of global innovation. The shifts in global economic landscape coupled with India’s vibrancy is making India, the hotspot of global growth.” He further said “We have ample intellectual capacity to solve our challenges. IITs are the pride of our country. They are breeding ground for academic excellence and offer immense opportunities.”
Speaking about Industry 4.0, he said, “Industrial Revolution 4.0 presents immense opportunity to India. We must own our failures, and become brave innovators.” The Minister informed that Oil and gas PSUs have set up a fund of Rs. 300 Cr to support startups. ’’I have even advised PSU companies to support innovation and entrepreneurship by employees,” he added.
Appealing to the scientific community, he said, “We are a nation of aspirations. Our scientific community must contribute towards realising aspirations of our youth.”
While interacting with the students, he motivated them to move away from traditional notions of success and become entrepreneurs to create a better future for themselves and for our country. Expressing happiness over meeting with the students, Shri Pradhan said, “There’s so much these youngsters can teach you. Exuberance, energy and the will to succeed against odds, glad to meet some of the brightest minds in the country.”
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
49.53 Cr. Vaccine Doses administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
3,10,15,844 total recoveries across the country so far
Recovery Rate currently at 97.36%
41,096 patients recovered during last 24 hours
India reports 44,643 new cases in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently 4,14,159
Active cases constitute 1.30% of total cases
Weekly Positivity Rate remainsbelow 5%, currently at 2.41%
Daily positivity rate at 2.72%; less than 3% for last 11 days
Testing capacity substantially ramped up – 47.65cr tests total conducted
MV
HFW/COVID States data/6thAug2021/1
(Visitor Counter : 1272
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
52nd IFFI to be held from 20th -28th November 2021 in Goa
Shri Prakash Javadekar releases poster for 52ndIFFI
Hon’ble Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Prakash Javadekar today released the regulations and poster for the 52nd edition of the International Film Festival of India . The festival will be held in Goa from 20th -28th November 2021.
The International Film Festival of India  is reckoned as one of Asia's oldest and India's biggest international film festivals. The 52nd edition of IFFI will be held in a hybrid format considering the success of the 51st edition in January 2021. The Festival is being organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals , Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India in collaboration with the State Government of Goa and the Indian Film Industry.
IFFI is recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations . Every year, the festival celebrates some of the finest cinematic works and showcases a bouquet of the best films from India and around the world.
The call for entries for participation in the competitive section of the 52nd edition of the International Film Festival of India will remain open till Aug 31, 2021.
On the occasion of the birth centenary of the maestro of Indian cinema Shri Satyajit Ray, this time the Directorate of Films Festivals, Ministry of I&B, will pay a tribute through a Special Retrospective at the IFFI. Also, in recognition of the auteur’s legacy, the “Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Cinema” has been instituted from this year to be given at the IFFI every year starting from this year.
Saurabh Singh
(Visitor Counter : 4773
Ministry of Railways
Continuous Rise In Freight Traffic During Last Three Years
Operating Ratio Of Railways Went Up To 98.10% In 2022-23
Improvement in freight cargo transportation is an on-going process on Indian Railways. Speeds of cargo trains are subject to network capacity. The progressive commissioning of Dedicated Freight Corridor has significantly helped in reducing transit time of cargo on these routes.
The details of total originating freight traffic by Indian Railways during the last three years in Million Tonnes  are as under:
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|
Year
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2020-21
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2021-22
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2022-23
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Total loading
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1233.22
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1418.27
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1512.07
Revenue from Passenger and Freight for last three years are given below:

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Year
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Passenger
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Freight
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Revenue
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|
Increase over Past Year
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|
Revenue
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|
Increase over Past Year
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|
2020-21
|
|
15248
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-35421
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117232
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|
3744
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2021-22
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39214
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23966
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141096
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23865
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|
2022-23 Prov.
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|
63417
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|
24203
|
|
162263
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|
21167
Railways revenue was adversely impacted due to the Covid-19 Pandemic in the years 2020-21 and 2021-22
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Year
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2018-19
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2019-20
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2020-21
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|
2021-22
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2022-23
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|
Operating Ratio
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97.3%
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98.36%
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97.45%
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107.39%
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|
98.10%
Railway operations were adversely impacted during the Covid-19 Pandemic. After normalisation there has been a healthy improvement of Operating Ratio to 98.10% in the year 2022-23.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Focus on abilities of Divyangjan: key to inclusion- said Dr. Virendra kumar.
Two Days Sensitization Programme was held today in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
A Two Days Sensitization Programme was held today  at Brilliant Convention Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh to sensitize the authorities of States/UTs about their role and responsibilities in implementation of the Provisions of RPwD Act and Rule made thereunder and to expand outreach of the programme of the Government.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment in the presence of Union Ministers of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale and Sushree Pratima Bhaumik. Ministers from the 4 State/UTs namely Delhi, Goa, Odisha &Punjab and Senior Officers from 18 States/UTs participated in the said meeting.
Inaugurating the programme, Union Minister of SJ&E highlighted various initiatives and programmesof the Government for all-rounddevelopment of Divyangjan under the leadership of Prime Minister.He highlighted abilities of persons with disabilities in all aspects such as education, sports, fine arts, music etc. provided conducive environment is created for them. He advised the States/UTs to work together for creating positive attitude towards Divyangjan. He stated that the Centre for Disability Sports being set up at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs. 171.00 Crore is expected to be made functional during the current financial year. The center will have State-of the art facilities for training of DivyangSports Persons to enable them to compete in National/International Platforms.
Union Minsters of States Shri Ramdas Athawale and Sushree Pratima Bhaumik also shared their thoughts with the State/UTs and urged them to work in tandem with the Central Government for empowerment and inclusion of Divyangjan.
The National Institutes, Autonomous Bodies and Central Public Sector Undertakings working under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities are also scheduled to share programmes/services being provided by them to apprise the States/UTs for expanding outreach of their activities for the benefit of Divyangjan.
This is the second such sensitization workshop organized by the Department, the first being held at Kewadia, Gujarat in March 2022.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
NHAI Collaborates with 200 Premier Institutes to Leverage Local Expertise
In line with its vision to provide world-class National Highway  network and to create a bridge between technical Institutions and Industry, the National Highways Authority of India has received overwhelming response from many reputed Institutes for its initiative of collaborating with Premier Institutes to Leverage Local Expertise. According to NHAI, as many 18 IITs , 26 NITs and 190 other reputed Engineering colleges have agreed to collaborate with NHAI. Out of which, about 200 Institutes have already signed the Memorandum of Understanding .
NHAI has said that it had introduced a unique initiative to associate with reputed Technical Institutes and Engineering colleges to adopt nearby stretches of National Highways, on voluntary basis under Institution Social Responsibility. Over 300 Institutes are expected to collaborate to adopt NH stretches.
The adopted stretches may be used as a field of study for faculty, researchers and familiarise students of the Institute with the latest trends in industryand suggest the relevant performance parameters and innovations.
Under this initiative, the partner institutes will study improvement prospects in Road Safety, maintenance, riding comfort, removal of choke points, black spots and usage of new technologies on the adopted stretches and give suitable suggestions to NHAI.
The Institutes, NHAI stated, are also encouraged to associate with the Consultants/NHAI during conceptualization, design and project preparation of new projects and suggest the relevant performance parameters and innovations based on experience specific to the local climate, topography and resource potential for better socio economic outcome.
The areas of collaboration for improving the efficiency of existing highways are:
 Improvements in safety provisions by removing existing deficiencies and offering potential solutions to old recurring problems based on local experience.
 Improvements in continual maintenance of the stretches and improving the riding comfort through cost effective measures based on innovative technologies.
 Localized solutions for removal of congestion points and thereby increasing the average traffic speed.
 Viability of new wayside amenities for road users based on the existing traffic pattern and user expectations.
NHAI shall also offer internship to 20 Undergraduates and 20 Post-graduate studentswith the stipend. The initiative will result into a win-win outcome to both the NHAI and Institute and will also instil sense of contribution in building infrastructure among the student fraternity.
NHAI envisions to provide a world class NH network to meet the Nation’s requirements by building large number of mega highway projects in a cost-effective manner. Adoption of NH stretch by an Institute would facilitate stakeholder engagement and help to mitigate the routine local problems such as traffic hindrance, congestion, and immediate identification of accident-prone sites and causes thereof.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
NBM conducts National Workshop of Bamboo Sector Development and Bamboo Exhibition in New Delhi
Exclusive website for Bamboo information launched
National Bamboo Mission  conducted “The National Workshop of Bamboo Sector Development” in New Delhi on 10th March 2023. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. He spoke on the Ministry's efforts to enable the National Bamboo Mission in strengthening the value chain, enabling producers through incentives and last mile effectiveness of government schemes and thanked Invest India for their efforts in organising the event.
Inaugural session was graced by the Ambassador of Myanmar, Mr. Moe Kyaw Aung, Ambassador Serbia, Mr. Sinisa Pavic, Ms. Nita Pokhrel Aryal, Minister Economics, Nepal & Dr Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The inaugural session witnessed the launch of bamboo information website by Bamboo Technical Support Group South Zone, Kerala Forest Research Institute , - https://www.bambooinfo.in/default.asp. This is an exclusive website for bamboo information including bamboo species, cultivation, activities of BTSG-KFRI, and a database of artisans, researchers, farmers, plantations and nurseries is maintained by BTSG-KFRI. This was followed by the launch of a book “Different Eco-friendly Bamboo Products and Business Opportunities” authored by the Foundation for MSME clusters and a short film by NBM showcasing the scope of the Indian Bamboo Sector. Shri Naveen Kumar Patle, Additional Commissioner , delivered the vote of thanks for the session on "India's Vision for Bamboo”, giving special thanks to Invest India, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry, media houses and the delegates of the workshop.
The context of the workshop was set in by Horticulture Commissioner Dr. Prabhat Kumar. He highlighted that the rising awareness of the use of sustainable and eco-friendly products, increasing investments in infrastructure development and the use of sustainable construction materials are the major growth drivers for Bamboo. To elaborate further on the discussion, 5 technical sessions were conducted which included presentations from experts in the bamboo industry as well as interactive directions with the delegates.
The Minister of Agriculture , Shri Abdul Sattar, graced the occasion with his presence and shared his insights on the scope and potential of this sector. He also visited the exhibition and interacted with the artisans and entrepreneurs.
The workshop was closed by remarks from Shri Pasha Patel, Progressive Bamboo Farmer and summed-up by Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner, DA&FW.
Prime Minister's Office
PM Pays homage to former Prime Minister, Shri Morarjibhai Desai
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to former Prime Minister, Shri Morarjibhai Desai.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
''I pay homage to our former PM Shri Morarjibhai Desai. He is widely respected for his monumental contribution to nation building. He made extensive efforts to make India more prosperous. He always emphasised on probity in public life.''
Ministry of Steel
Dharmendra Pradhan calls for Industry Led, Innovation Driven, State Supported Model of Wealth Creation
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan participated in the “Business Today Mindrush 2019” in Mumbai today. Theme of the event was ‘Disrupt or Die.’
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pradhan called for industry led, innovation driven, state supported model of wealth creation. “We must create an industry led, innovation driven, state supported model of wealth creation. Industry, academia and policymakers must come together to solve problems of society through innovation and generate value for society,” he said.
Talking about creative disruption, he said, “Our Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has worked on the paradigm of creative disruptions to achieve unprecedented transformation. Over 35 cr bank accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana, 3cr houses got electricity in just three years. Rural India, too is undergoing transformation”. He informed that government has taken the resolve to ensure that there should be no family without a house of its own, no house without piped water supply. “Creative disruptions are also needed in the energy sector. We have 600MT of non-fossilised biomass available in the country in farms, jungles and cities. By converting this huge biomass into energy we will be able to improve energy security for the country.5000 CBG plants are being developed across India for converting Biomass to energy, with off take guarantee offered by our Oil Marketing Companies.We are also focusing on exploring more new and environment friendly alternative energy sources like hydrogen,” he added.
Speaking about India’s economic transition, the minister said, “India is moving from being a developing nation to being a developed nation. This transition will require greater synergy between all stakeholders. We have to assimilate ourselves to the idea of change and make strive towards Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of New India, a mass movement.” He further mentioned that there is a need to link our domestic economy with our intellectual capacity. Shri Pradhan said that India’s domestic market, intellectual workforce and risk taking ability can offer solutions to not only our domestic problems but also to some global problems.
Prime Minister's Office
PM's departure statement ahead of his visit to France, UAE and Bahrain
I will be visiting France, UAE and Bahrain during 22-26 August 2019.
My visit to France reflects the strong strategic partnership, which our two countries deeply value, and share. On 22-23 August 2019, I would have bilateral meetings in France, including a summit interaction with President Macron and a meeting with Prime Minister Philippe. I would also interact with the Indian community and dedicate a memorial to the Indian victims of the two Air India crashes in France in the 1950s & 1960s.
Later, on 25-26 August, I will participate in the G7 Summit meetings as Biarritz Partner at the invitation of President Macron in the Sessions on Environment, Climate, Oceans and on Digital Transformation.
India and France have excellent bilateral ties, which are reinforced by a shared vision to cooperate for further enhancing peace and prosperity for our two countries and the world at large. Our strong strategic and economic partnership is complemented by a shared perspective on major global concerns such as terrorism, climate change, etc. I am confident that this visit will further promote our long-standing and valued friendship with France for mutual prosperity, peace and progress.
During the visit to the United Arab Emirates on 23-24 August, I look forward to discuss with His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.
I also look forward to jointly release the stamp to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi along with His Highness the Crown Prince. It will be an honour to receive the ‘Order of Zayed’, the highest civilian decoration conferred by the UAE government, during this visit. I will also formally launch RuPay card to expand the network of cashless transactions abroad.
Frequent high-level interactions between India and UAE testify to our vibrant relations. UAE is our third-largest trade partner and fourth-largest exporter of crude oil for India. The qualitative enhancement of these ties is among one of our foremost foreign policy achievements. The visit would further strengthen our multifaceted bilateral ties with UAE.
I will also be visiting the Kingdom of Bahrain from 24-25, August 2019. This would be the first ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to the Kingdom. I look forward to discussing with Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the ways to further boost our bilateral relations and share views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. I would also be meeting His Majesty the King of Bahrain Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and other leaders.
I would also take the opportunity to interact with the Indian diaspora. I will be blessed to be present at the formal beginning of the re-development of the temple of Shreenathji- the oldest in the Gulf region – in the wake of the auspicious festival of Janmashtami. I am confident that this visit would further deepen our relationship across the sectors.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Preventing biodiversity losses due to invasive alien species
The Government of India does maintain and update its database of invasive alien species. As per the information received from Zoological Survey of India , a total of 154 species of faunal communities including 56 species from terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem and 98 species of marine ecosystems are recorded from India as exotic/ invasive species.
The action plan of Government to prevent the reproduction and proliferation of invasive species includes strengthening of quarantine facilities at airport and seaport, strict compliance of IMO  norms for ballast water disposal; evaluation on the impact assessment on the exotic species. Also this includes regulation of the introduction of exotic species for commercial venture; assessment of the growth rate, reproduction success, dispersal ability and tolerance during climatic stress of exotic species, status surveys on introduced /exotic/invasive species. No licenses are issued for cultivation of invasive alien species and no such information is collated in this Ministry.
This information was given by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in Rajya Sabha today.